We are writing on behalf of the Asia for Animals coalition, representing international organisations with extensive knowledge of animal welfare issues, to voice our concerns surrounding the planned importation of four Asian elephants from Myanmar to Maruyama Zoo.

These elephants are currently living within an unrestricted environment in Myanmar where they have access to both captive and wild elephants in which they can interact and socialize. They also have access to natural forested areas where they are able to find their own food sources. Removing them from such unrestrictive conditions and placing them within the confines of Maruyama zoo will have serious consequences for their individual welfare.

There are grave concerns regarding whether Maruyama Zoo has the resources, expertise or facilities to provide adequate care for these elephants. It has been brought to our attention that the zoo plans to build a new facility to house the elephants, measuring just 2000 m2 (indoors) and 3000 m2 (outdoors). As you are aware, elephants are wide ranging species with complex behavioral and psychological needs and the size of the facility alone is wholly inadequate at managing these needs. In addition, there are concerns that the cold winter climate in Sapporo, with the average mean temperature falling below freezing for four months per year, could further worsen the welfare of these elephants.

Furthermore, there are grave concerns regarding the impact an international relocation could have on the highly endangered Asian elephants’ welfare. The international travel would result in an enormous amount of stress which could have serious and lasting repercussions on their physical and psychological well-being. There are many well-documented cases of elephants dying during overseas transportation due to physical and psychological trauma.

We thereby respectfully urge you – on the grounds of animal welfare – to intervene, and kindly request your consideration to revoke the permission to import the four elephants to ensure they remain within their country of origin.

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The Asia For Animals (AfA) Coalition is composed of 16 well-known and respected animal welfare organisations that have a shared focus on improving the welfare of animals in Asia. We are committed to providing support to organisations to help with their campaigns to tackle some of the most pressing animal welfare concerns in the region. Click to see author's profile.

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